Abstract

The purpose of this project is to show how early identification of patients who are at high risk for developing central line infections has an impact on infection rates, and how prevention strategies directed towards that patient population could lead to positive patient outcomes and a decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Central line infections are a major hospital-acquired condition within hospital settings. In pediatric critical care areas, central venous catheters are inevitable due to complex diagnoses, patient size, and small vessels. However, CLABSIs have a massive impact on pediatric patients increasing mortality from 4% to 37%, prolonged hospital stays, and hospital costs (La Torre et al., 2018). In pediatric critical care settings, many risk factors that patients present with are not modifiable; therefore, the care that is delivered to them needs to be highly reliable. Due to the negative impact CLABSIs have on patients, continuous attention to this topic is crucial. The literature review for this project supports that early identification of high-risk patients does have a positive impact on CLABSI rates, as well as with early identification providers can modify interventions to decrease central line infection rates. The following evidence will support that with early identification of high-risk patients, modifiable behaviors can be implemented including enhancing central line care bundles, utilizing daily rounding techniques, use of chlorhexidine bath wipes, and identifying the right access the first time for the patients will decrease central line infection rates.

Date of publication

Spring 4-26-2024

Document Type

MSN Capstone Project

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4676

Degree

MSN/MBA

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Nursing Commons

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